Toilet Problems? Best Service Offers Advice for Easy Fixes

Orange County’s leader among residential service companies gives advice on what to look for when residence experience common toilet problems

YORBA LINDA, Calif. November 17, 2016 – Best Service, a leading company in Orange County, California, offers some possible fixes to common toilet problems, so when your toilet gets clogged, or starts acting funny, you don’t necessarily have to call a plumber.

“Toilet plumbing operates on pretty simple principles,” says Brian Vardiman, owner of Best Service. “Sometimes the problems that occur most often are easy to diagnose, and if you’re the slightest bit handy, you can take care of the issue yourself.”

Vardiman presents four of the most common toilet plumbing problems, besides a basic clog, and some possible quick solutions.

The toilet runs constantly. Even after the tank has filled, the water continues to run. This is an irritating and expensive problem. Check the flush valve to make sure the chain isn’t kinked. If this isn’t the problem, check the float ball. The height or position may need to be adjusted. About half of the ball should be under water, and it should move freely.

Water trickles into the bowl. You will usually notice this at night when it is quiet. The water will trickle, and then the float will re-engage and refill the tank. This cycle will repeat itself over and over again. The wasted water can add up to hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water over time. The problem is usually the toilet flapper, but on rare occasions it can be the toilet valve.

Water is leaking from underneath the toilet. This does not necessarily mean the toilet is leaking at the base. Make sure you don’t have another type of leak before you pursue this. A toilet leaking at the base will only occur when the toilet is flushed. One possible fix is to tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. The second is to replace the wax ring between the bottom of the toilet and the toilet flange.

The toilet won’t flush completely. It’s possible that the chain doesn’t open the flush valve. If the chain has come loose from the handle arm, reconnect it. If it’s broken, it may need replacing. If this doesn’t work, the float ball may be set too low. In most toilets, the water level should be within an inch of the overflow pipe.

“Not all toilet problems are suitable for do-it-yourselfers,” said Vardiman. “In many situations, calling a professional plumber should be your first move, especially if you aren’t comfortable trying to fix the problem yourself. But knowing how your toilet and plumbing works, and identifying common problems, can help keep things moving if you can’t get a professional to your house immediately.”